Hornbeck is making a comparison between the biblical story of Adam and Eve by calling Rachel little “Eva” and by telling her that “I am not the serpent”. Who in the story tricked Eve and Adam to take a bite from an apple from the Tree of Knowledge which they knew God specifically told them both not to do. Hornbeck also makes a comparison between Hillsboro and the Garden of Eden by describing Hillsboro as more of a battle ground than a “Heavenly” place. Hornbeck makes these comparisons in the intent of hinting to Rachel that he is not the enemy; that she should not be afraid of him.
You're surely on the right track. However you're missing all of Hornbeck's gibes at the people of Hillboro. He says that you won't find the Tree of Knowledge in Hillsboro because these people are closed minded and ignorant. His metaphor also works on another level by pinpointing Rachel as very similar to Eve. She does have to make a decision; thus, ensuing her deep internal conflict. Does she choose her family/friens/the values that she was raised with (fundamentalism), or the man that she loves and everyone else from Hillsboro hates (modernism)?
You're surely on the right track. However you're missing all of Hornbeck's gibes at the people of Hillboro. He says that you won't find the Tree of Knowledge in Hillsboro because these people are closed minded and ignorant. His metaphor also works on another level by pinpointing Rachel as very similar to Eve. She does have to make a decision; thus, ensuing her deep internal conflict. Does she choose her family/friens/the values that she was raised with (fundamentalism), or the man that she loves and everyone else from Hillsboro hates (modernism)?